As solar energy becomes a cleaner and more renewable source of power, one challenge is the amount of physical space solar arrays take up. However, a new practice called agrivoltaics is emerging, where solar arrays are combined with farming to utilize the shade they provide. A recent study in New South Wales, Australia, found that Merino sheep grazing under solar arrays produced wool of equal quality to those grazing in open fields. In fact, the farmer reported that the quality of wool increased over time. Other agrivoltaics projects have also shown promising results, such as a project in Spain that combined solar panels with olive trees. Crops like maize, Swiss chard, and beans have even been found to grow better under partial shade provided by solar panels. This innovative approach to sustainable energy production has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment while also providing economic benefits. By combining solar energy with agriculture, we can reduce the amount of land needed for solar arrays and create new opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
Researchers stumble upon revolutionary technique while analyzing sheep’s Grazing habits on solar panels – Unlocking a game-changing approach to agriculture
